2012 NFL Free Agency: Top 25 Free Agents and the Teams That Need Them Most

With the NFL season nearing an end, it is time to look forward to the 2012 NFL offseason.  Fortunately for us NFL fans, we are not going to have to deal with the headaches we had in the 2011 offseason, because we won't have the strike/lockout issues to deal with.

Not only that, with the new collective bargaining agreement rules, teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals are not going to be permitted to spend as little as possible, and take that money as profit.

Instead, teams are going to be required to spend at least 95 percent of the salary cap on players, so you can expect the NFL's top talents to be paid top dollar when free agency starts in March.

The following is a list of the top 25 NFL free agents, and the teams that need them most. In each case, the team that already has the player under contract is the best place for him to return. However, that does not mean he is going to.

The one group I am leaving out of this list are the restricted free agents.  Though there are some players that move while being restricted, not many of them do.

Drew Brees

The last time Drew Brees hit free agency, there were only two teams that showed any interest in him at all.  The Miami Dolphins, who ended up not making any serious offers for fear of his shoulder injury, and the New Orleans Saints.

The Dolphins were awarded with having no one even able to hold the starting job for more than a season, and the Saints were awarded with their first Lombardi Trophy.

If, by chance, the Saints are unable to sign Brees to a contract prior to the start of free agency, odds are, they are going to place the franchise tag on him.

It is not often that a true franchise quarter back is available, even with the franchise tag designation.  So other teams may still make a play for him.

That being said, there is not a team that would need Brees more than the Saints, and they are probably going to pay him near Peyton Manning money to keep him.

Other possibilities:

1. Miami Dolphins - Will lose out on Andrew Luck.  They made the worst mistake in franchise history by not signing him before, and can make up for it now.

2. Indianapolis Colts - Already have the weapons that made Peyton Manning one of the best ever, and could trade the first pick in the draft for a boat load of picks.

3. Baltimore Ravens - The Joe Flacco experiment is not working. The Ravens have not even began negotiations with Flacco on a long term contract extension, and he only has one year remaining after this one.  Brees would solidify the position, and give the defense some points per game, and the Ravens don't need much more than that.

Ray Rice

The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best, young running backs in the NFL. Ray Rice is one of only two running backs in the NFL that leads his team in both rushing and receiving.

With the Ravens slowly in transition from a run-first team to a pass-first team, there are two big questions the Ravens have heading into negotiations with Rice.

1. How much are they willing to pay Rice?

2. Is Rice going to want to stay in the scheme the Ravens are running?

Over the last few weeks, the Ravens have been very reluctant to give Rice the workhorse load in the backfield. They would rather see if Joe Flacco has what it takes to lead his team away from being run first, which would eliminate the Ravens from having to pay Rice, Chris Johnson type of money.

If the Ravens don't want to pay that kind of money, I believe Ray Rice will run right out of Baltimore.

Possible New Team:

1. Cincinnati Bengals.  Cedric Benson is beginning to show his age, and is nowhere near the all around back that Ray Rice is. Rice would be an instant upgrade and would benefit Andy Dalton by giving him a great ground game, and would open up play-action passes that would benefit A.J. Green as well.

Also, the Bengals have a boat load of cap they need to spend, and what better way than taking away their division rivals best player?

2. New York Jets.  The Jets have shown they have no problem spending big money on free agents, and Rice would make Mark Sanchez look better than he already is.  Rice also have a history with Rex Ryan, and Ryan could be on the door step of Ray Rice at the launch of free agency like he was for Bart Scott.

Mario Williams

When the Houston Texans shocked the world by drafting Mario Williams over both Reggie Bush and Vince Young, many people thought they were crazy. As it turns out, they could not have made a better move.

The only reason Williams has not been locked up to a long term contract extension is the Texans transition from the 4-3 defense to the 3-4. 

In the 4-3, Williams was one of the most dominant defensive ends in the league. In the 3-4, he is playing the outside line backer position, and he was injured before he had the chance to show how good he would have done at it.

Teams that run the 4-3, and want to put Williams on the defensive end, are going to be able to spend their money without fear that he is not going to be able to play the position.

Teams that run the 3-4, are going to have to hope that Williams is even more than what they saw before he got injured.

Either way, Williams is probably going to be on of the highest paid defensive players in league history when free agency opens, it just may not be with the Texans.

Possible New Team:

1. Baltimore Ravens.  With the Ravens likely losing Ray Lewis to retirement this off season, they will need a new leader that can be one of the best in football.  Yes, Terrell Suggs is great, but without Lewis, teams are going to key on him, and his numbers are going to go down.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  The Buccaneers are another team that has a TON of money to spend this offseason. They have spent their last two years trying to build a young defensive line that will be one of the best. With early draft picks in the last two years of Gerald McCoy, Adrian Clayborn, and Da'Quan Bowers, and the addition of Albert Haynesworth this year, the Bucs defense could be great.  Adding Mario Williams and losing Haynesworth would change the could to would, and give Tampa Bay one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.

Carl Nicks

It is not too often that one of the best young offensive linemen in the league become free agents. With the Saints most likely using their franchise tag on Drew Brees, they are probably going to lose the 27-year-old Carl Nicks to free agency.

Nicks could become an anchor to any offensive line, and make one that is already good, great.

Teams are going to be willing to pay Nicks big bucks, and he is likely going to be worth it to any team that gets him.

Possible New Team:

1. Carolina Panthers.  Signing Nicks would be an immediate upgrade and would benefit Cam Newton's growth as a superstar.  It would also take one of the keys to the Saints offensive line.

2. Washington Redskins Two years ago, the Skins traded with the Saints for Jameel Brown, this time they may take another offensive lineman without giving the Saints any type of compensation.

Matt Forte

The Bears almost act like they don't want to keep Matt Forte in Chicago, and at this point, I would be shocked if Forte returns to the Bears next season.

Though Chicago has no problem allowing Forte to lead the team in rushing and receiving, they don't want to even offer him what he believes is a fair contract.

I believe at the end of the season, these two will part ways, but it won't be the last we see of Matt Forte in the NFC North.

Possible New Team:

1. Detroit Lions.  The Lions are in the process of building a team, with an offense of Matthew Stafford and Megatron, I mean, Calvin Johnson. What they lack is an elite running back that can keep the defenses honest and give Detroit the best running back since Barry Sanders.

2. Green Bay Packers.  There are not a lot of gaps in the Green Bay offense. The only place they could use a great improvement is at running back, and other than Ray Rice, Forte is the cream of the crop.

Either of these teams would be smart to go after Forte, because it would weaken the Bears, and catapult their offense to one of the best in the NFL.

DeSean Jackson

There is a good chance that the Philadelphia Eagles are going to have a new coach and general manager in 2012, and there is even a better chance that they are not going to want to deal with the head ache that is DeSean Jackson.

Jackson has wanted a new contract, and believes he has earned it.  With the Eagles spending near $100 million on free agents that were no on their team last year, Jackson believes he should have been paid.

He wasn't and I believe he is on his way out of Philadelphia.

Possible New Team:

1. Washington Redskins.  The Redskins need a play-making wide receiver, and there are none available with the talents of Jackson.  Dan Snyder has also shown that he is willing to open up his paycheck to get the best talent, especially since he could steal him from the Eagles.

2. Carolina Panthers.  Steve Smith is not getting any younger, and the Panthers are going to be desperate for a true top receiver for Cam Newton.  If the Panthers could land Jackson, they would give Newton the play maker to stretch the field and help his development.

Jermichael Finley

The Green Bay Packers have a ton of offensive weapons, and Finley is just one of them. Are they going to want to pay him as one of the best in the NFL?  If they don't, is Finley going to be willing to pass up that kind of money to stay with a potential dynasty?

The facts are, Finley already has one Super Bowl ring, with a good possibility of a second one this season.  Once a player has the rings, they start to look at making the money to have the rest of their lives.

I can't see Finley staying unless the Packers are going to pay him what he is worth, and I can't see the Packers paying him what he is worth.

Possible New Team:

1. Atlanta Falcons.  Tony Gonzalez is already talking about retirement, and Atlanta is going to need someone to replace him. 

2. San Diego Chargers.  Much like the Falcons, the Chargers are realizing that Antonio Gates is closer to the end of his career than he is to the beginning of it.  If they want to take that next step, it is time to get Rivers the target he used to have with Gates, and Finley could be that man.

Robert Mathis

The Colts have bigger things to worry about thn the second best defensive end on their team. They are likely going into full re-build mode, after finishing the season 0-16.

Mathis will be quick to head out the door. He would be higher on this list, but at 31 years old, teams are not going to be as excited about him as they are Mario Williams.

Possible New Team:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars.  With a new head coach, which they probably will have, they are going to want to improve their defense.

Ben Grubbs

Ben Grubbs is about a half a point behind the Saints Carl Nicks, but because of the success of Drew Brees, Nicks gets a lot more respect than him, right or not.

Grubbs is still going to be paid like one of the best free agents, and is going to be looked at by a bunch of teams trying to shore up their interior offensive lines.

Possible New Team:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers.  Though their offensive line has been below average for the better part of the last five years, they seem to be coming together.  Maurkice Pouncey is on his way to his second Pro Bowl (currently leads all AFC centers), Max Starks and Marcus Gilbert at tackles, there is still work to be done at Guard.  Besides, to steal a starter from the Ravens would be a plus.

2. Cleveland Browns.  The right side of the Browns offensive line could be the worst in the NFL.  If they were to get Grubbs, and use one of their two first round picks on a right tackle, their line could develop into one of the best in football.

Cortland Finnegan

Cortland Finnegan wants to be known as the dirtiest player in the NFL.  He has had fights with Hines Ward, Andre Johnson and others.  He is tough as nails, and not afraid to mix things up.

He likes to hit, and is good at man to man defense. He could be a valuable asset to a team that does not need a No. 1 guy, but could be the best No. 2 in the NFL.

Possible New Team:

1. New York Jets.  Finnegans attitude would go great with Rex Ryan and the Jets.  The Jets also showed last year they are not crazy about Antonio Cromartie, and almost didn't resign him.  Finnegan would allow the Jets to part ways with Cromartie, and bring more attitude to a defense that probably doesn't need it.

2. Detroit Lions.  The Lions front seven are a force, and are getting better.  Their secondary has been decent, but far from good.  If they want to compete in the future with teams like the Packers, they are going to need to bring in talent to cover some of those weapons.  Finnegan would also take some of the attention from Ndmakong Suh, which he could use right about now.

Wes Welker

Prior to joining the Patriots, Wes Welker was a part of the Miami Dolphins. Since trading for him, there has not been a more consistent receiver in the NFL than Welker.

For Welker to leave the Patriots would be a shock. He is the security blanket for Tom Brady. However, it is not likely that the Patriots are going to pay Welker what other teams are going to, so he could be wearing a different uniform next year.

Possible New Team:

1. Detroit Lions.  Could you imagine if you had Wes Welker lining up in the slot with Calvin Johnson next to him?  Who would you double cover?  Good luck with that.

2. Baltimore Ravens.  The Ravens have Anquon Boldin and Torry Smith, but they still need to fill the slot receiver position, and there is none better than Welker at the moment.

Dwayne Bowe

The Chiefs have taken a step back in 2011, and though it is not the fault of Dwayne Bowe, the Chiefs are going to have a lot of work to do to get back where they were even last year.

Odds are, Bowe could get lost in the mix, and end up on a different team in 2012.

Possible New Team:

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  With a lot of money and room to improve, the Bucs could use an upgrade to help in the development of Josh Freeman.

2. San Diego Chargers.  Phillip Rivers is going to need more weapons if the Chargers are going to get the monkey off their backs about making the Super Bowl.  Bowe could be a step in the right direction.

Cliff Avril

One of the reasons that Lions defense has been so much improved is the play of Cliff Avril.  With Ndmakong Suh playing next to him, he will never get the attention or camera time he would on another team.

In 2012, we will see if he is playing as well as he is because Suh is drawing the attention of the offense, or if Avril is good enough to deserve the credit.

Possible New Team:

1. Minnesota Vikings.  Minnesota could use improvement all around the defense, but having Avril to play opposite of Jared Allen would instantly upgrade the defensive line.  Purple People Eaters, JR?

Kareem McKenzie

One of the few players on this list that are over the age of 30, McKenzie (33) fills one of the most important positions on the field, and still plays at a level high enough to warrant teams for making a play for his services.

Possible New Team:

1. Washington Redskins.  As stated before, the Redskins are going to need help along their offensive line, and McKenzie could be the man to fill the position.  Stealing a player from their division rivals would be a bonus.

2. Cleveland Browns.  As stated before, the Browns right side of their offensive line is a joke, and McKenzie is a better option than anything they have on their roster.

Vincent Jackson

The San Diego Chargers and Vincent Jackson need to part ways.  After years of battling over contract, this could finally be the year that Jackson leaves San Diego.

It would be in both the teams and players interest to part ways, and I believe this will happen in 2012.

Possible New Team:

1. Minnesota Vikings.  The Vikings need a big play receiver, and Jackson could be that man.  The Vikings have not had this type of big target since Randy Moss, and Jackson would be the main target for Christian Ponder, and opening up running lanes for AP.

2. Arizona Cardinals.  The Cardinals need to find someone to play opposite of Larry Fitzgerald, who can punish teams for doubling Fitzgerald on every play.  Jackson has the size and speed to hurt a defense, and Kevin Kolb, or who ever starts in Arizona next year would be better with this weapon.

Brent Grimes

Brent Grimes is a solid corner for the Falcons, but does not get the credit he deserves.  Since signing Daunte Robinson, the Falcons secondary has improved, but it was not Grimes fault they were bad before Robinson.

Though Grimes may not be the type of player that is going to cover the other teams best corner, he certainly can shut down their second option.

Possible New Team:

1. Dallas Cowboys.  Dallas has had secondary issues over the last two years, and Grimes would be an instant upgrade.  Terrance Newman has been on the decline the last two year, and being able to replace him with Grimes would boost the Dallas defense.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Ronde Barber is about out of gas, and as stated before, Tampa has a TON of money they are going to need to spend.  If Aqib Talib ends up missing any or most or all of next season due to legal issues, signing a corner is going to be the Bucs top priority.

Paul Soliai

Standing 6'4", 355 lbs, Soliai could be the perfect fit for a team looking for a 3-4 nose guard.  Miami has improved over the last few weeks, but they are a LONG way from being competitive in the tough AFC East.

If Soliai were on a team that had a lot of talent around him, he could become the best NT in the NFL.

Possible New Team:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers.  Casey Hampton is not getting any younger, and Soliai would be a perfect replacement.  Though Pittsburgh does not normally bring in players from other teams, when there is a big enough need, they will.  With no starting caliber NT's in the NFL Draft this year, this may be an exception to the Steelers rule.

LaRon Landry

When the Washington Redskins drafted LaRon Landry, he was supposed to team with Sean Taylor to form one of the most lethal secondaries in the NFL.  After the tragedy to Taylor, Landry performed well, but nowhere near as well as if Taylor were still around.

Landry is a great player, but has not been in the right system for him.  A change of scenery could be exactly what Landry needs.

Possible New Team:

1. Detroit Lions.  Landry would solidify the Lions secondary, and would improve their defense against gun slingers like Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler.

2. Cincinnati Bengals.  Desperate for help in their secondary, the Bengals traded with the 49ers for Taylor Mays.  Mays has not seen the field, and it is not because of injury.  The Bengals need help at the position, and Landry could fill that role, and be the leader of the Bengals secondary.

Stephen Tulloch

It is not often that a quality inside line backer comes available in free agency, but the Lions Stephen Tulloch is one.

There are many teams that are going to be interested in taking a shot at Tulloch based on his 349 tackles over the last three years.  That is averaging over 100 tackles per season, and this season still have five games left for the Lions.

Possible New Team:

1. Philadelphia Eagles.  The Eagles are desperate for help at the line backer position, especially on the inside.  Any player would be an upgrade, but Tulloch is the best available on the free agent market.

2. Baltimore Ravens.  If Ray Lewis does retire, there is no starting quality player ready to take over his position.  Tulloch could be that player.  Though not as aggressive or intense as Ray Lewis, who is?  The Ravens will take a step down if and when Lewis retires, but having a player like Tulloch makes that step even smaller.

Steve Johnson

Though Steve Johnson should have already been signed by the Bills, it looks like they have more important people to take care of, and it looks as if Johnson may be overlooked.

That is fine for the rest of the NFL, as Johnson could become a threat with most other teams in the NFL.

If Buffalo doesn't want to pay him, other teams sure will.  Johnson is a big target at 6'2", and over 200 pounds.  He would be an instant upgrade to most teams.

Possible New Team:

1. San Francisco 49ers.  San Francisco has Michael Crabtree who is still young and improving, but their only other receiving weapon is Braylon Edwards, and he has never been reliable.  Johnson would widen the gap between the 49ers and the rest of the NFC West.

2. Miami Dolphins.  Miami has Brandon Marshall, but there is no real threat on the other side of the ball.  Who ever Miami gets to be their QB in 2012, is going to need more weapons that Marshall, and having another big and fast receiver to play opposite of Marshall would be a great reason for any QB to come to Miami.

Greg Olson

The Carolina Panthers have two quality tight ends.  Greg Olson and Jeremy Shockey.  Both are slated to become free agents at the end of 2011, and most likely one of them is going to have to go.  Both will require contracts that will not be conducive to paying both players.

Sucks for Cam Newton and the Panthers, but that is the reality of the NFL.

Olson has slightly better stats than Shockey, but Shockey will probably cost less to keep, and the Panthers have other needs on both sides of the football to keep both players.

Possible New Team:

1. Kansas City Chiefs.  The Chiefs have not had a true tight end since trading away Tony Gonzalez.  Though Olson will not make people forget about Gonzalez, he will give the Chiefs fans something to cheer about. 

2. St. Louis Rams.  With Sam Bradford needing more weapons if he is going to rebound from his sophomore slump, Olson would be a perfect addition to the Rams.

Jason Campbell

Jason Campbell was beginning to develop into a quality starter with the Raiders until he was injured. Once the Black and Silver traded for Carson Palmer, the career of Jason Campbell in Oakland ended, and that is sad news for the Raiders and Campbell.

Having played for the dysfunctional Redskins for the first five years of his career, and having five different offensive coordinators, Campbell never really had a chance.  He was finally getting used to the system in Oakland, and now he is going to have to start from scratch.

Campbell has three options for his future in the NFL.

1. Go to a bad team with no great players, be cut within a year, and be out of the NFL.

2. Go to an average team as a backup, who does not have a great QB, and hope he plays poor enough to push him out of the starting lineup.

3. Go to a good team, who has an injury prone QB, who could end up missing playing time because of injury, and replace him, and hopefully win over enough support that even when his injury is over, they want to keep you starting.

Possible New Team:

1. Cleveland Browns.  Colt McCoy is proving he is not a true franchise QB, and Campbell would be an upgrade. However, he will not have the chance to perform at a high level, and his NFL career would be killed.

2. Baltimore Ravens.  Joe Flacco is playing decent, but the Ravens are not sold on him as the quarter back of the future.  If he plays poorly next year, and they have someone like Campbell as a back up, he may push Flacco out of Baltimore and keep the job himself.

3. Detroit Lions.  Campbell would be a great back up to Matthew Stafford.  Stafford also has an injury history and it would not shock anyone if he were to miss time.  If he does, Detroit has the weapons to make Campbell a success.  If he can showcase his skills, a good team may give him the chance to be their starter.

Michael Griffin

As a two-time Pro Bowl player, Michael Griffin brings a lot to the table.  He is a solid player, and one of the Titans best defenders.

By moving on to another team, Griffin could become one of the best defenders in the NFL.

Possible New Team:

1. Miami Dolphins.  Miami has been looking for a true safety for years, and Griffin would be the perfect fit.  With the young corners of the Dolphins, Griffin would fit in, and be a presence in the secondary.

2. Indianapolis Colts.  The Colts have not had a quality safety since Bob Sanders started being injured over and over again.  Bringing in someone like Griffin would not only hurt their division rivals, but would be an immediate upgrade over everything they have on their team.

Brandon Carr

Brandon Carr is a big and strong corner, and is developing into a shut down corner.  At 6'0", 207 pounds, he has the size to cover the big receivers, and still has the speed to stay with most of the faster ones.

Carr is in his fourth season in the NFL, all with the Chiefs.  He has played in ever game since joining the Chiefs in 2008.

So far in his career, he has 224 tackles, 56 passes defended, six interceptions and six fumble recoveries.

Though he may not be some teams top guy, he certainly has the talent to one day be.

Possible New Team:

1. Denver Broncos.  Champ Baily is not getting any younger, and Carr would be the perfect replacement after a year playing under Baily.

2. New England Patriots.  The Patriots pass defense is the worst in the NFL, and they are not going to get better by drafting rookies.  The window of opportunity is closing on Tom Brady, and if the Pats want to get back to the Super Bowl, they are going to have to improve their secondary.

Jason Jones

The Tennessee Titans were able to simply say good bye to Albert Haynesworth because of Jason Jones, who more than adequately took his place in the Titans 4-3 defense.

Jones has accumulated 104 tackles and 15 sacks in his three-plus years in the NFL, which is decent for a defensive tackle.

The Titans will want to keep Jones, but if they don't there will be a lot of teams that would love to bring in Jones.

Possible New Team:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars.  Having seen Jones twice per year for the last three years is enough for Jacksonville to know the quality of Jones.  Needing help on their defensive line, Jones would be a great fit.

2. Cleveland Browns.  Even though they drafted Phil Taylor in the 2011 NFL draft, he is still learning the position that Jones knows.  To play along side of him would benefit Taylor in the long term for the Browns, and help solidify their defensive line.